Latest News and Breaking Stories

live More peace talks likely 'this week' as U.S. completes first day of Iran blockade - Wednesday 15 April

The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.

Iran accelerates its war diplomacy, claims $270 billion reparation in talks with U.S.

12:56

View from Iran

Iran accelerates its war diplomacy, claims $270 billion reparation in talks with U.S.

The two-week ceasefire between Iran, the U.S. and Israel entered its second and last week with Tehran stepping up diplomacy at home and abroad ahead of the pending renewed talks with Washington expected later this week.

Second school shooting in Türkiye in two days leaves four dead and nation in shock

16:27

Türkiye shooting

Second school shooting in Türkiye in two days leaves four dead and nation in shock

Türkiye is reeling after a second school shooting in as many days left four people dead, including three pupils and a teacher, in a rare outbreak of violence that has stunned communities nationwide.

Russia and Azerbaijan reach settlement over 2024 AZAL crash

16:20

Agreement Reached

Russia and Azerbaijan reach settlement over 2024 AZAL crash

Azerbaijan and Russia have announced a formal settlement over the 2024 crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer 190 near Aktau, confirming that all outstanding issues, including compensation, have been resolved.

Former NATO chief says UK 'not safe' amid defence rows

16:55

View from UK

Former NATO chief says UK 'not safe' amid defence rows

A former NATO chief and senior figure the UK's ruling Labour Party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

20:50

View from Türkiye

Türkiye warns Iran–U.S. ceasefire ‘fragile’ as regional tensions risk escalation

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has warned that the ongoing regional conflict could escalate further, describing the Iran–U.S. ceasefire as “fragile.”

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan deepen research ties after Tashkent dialogue

20:09

View from Uzbekistan

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan deepen research ties after Tashkent dialogue

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have agreed to strengthen research and policy cooperation following a roundtable in Tashkent focused on trade, connectivity and regional ties, according to official statements from both sides.

Azerbaijan and Russia hold high-level talks in Baku amid ongoing diplomatic strains

15:25

Azerbaijan Russia

Azerbaijan and Russia hold high-level talks in Baku amid ongoing diplomatic strains

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin in Baku for bilateral talks, covering political, economic, humanitarian and regional security issues, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

Baku hosts regional conference to boost women’s role in economic development

21:13

CICA conference

Baku hosts regional conference to boost women’s role in economic development

Baku has hosted a major regional conference focused on strengthening the role of women in economic development, leadership and sustainability across Asia.

More peace talks likely 'this week' as U.S. completes first day of Iran blockade - Wednesday 15 April

1min ago

Middle East conflict

live More peace talks likely 'this week' as U.S. completes first day of Iran blockade - Wednesday 15 April

The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon wer...

Kuwait detains U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist amid Gulf crackdown on war-related footage

47min ago

Journalist arrest

Kuwait detains U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist amid Gulf crackdown on war-related footage

Kuwaiti authorities have detained U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been seen for six weeks, according to a media watchdog, a...

1h ago

CICA conference

Baku hosts regional conference to boost women’s role in economic development

Baku has hosted a major regional conference focused on strengthening the role of women in economic development, leadership and sustainability acros...

2h ago

View from Türkiye

Türkiye warns Iran–U.S. ceasefire ‘fragile’ as regional tensions risk escalation

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has warned that the ongoing regional conflict could escalate further, describing the Iran–U.S. cea...

China and Russia strengthen ties with naval visit and high-level talks

2h ago

China-Russia Relations

China and Russia strengthen ties with naval visit and high-level talks

Relations between China and Russia are gaining fresh momentum, with recent developments highlighting closer military and diplomatic cooperation....

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for first-ever 18-month refurbishment amid tourism slowdown

19:34

Luxury hotels

Dubai’s Burj Al Arab to close for first-ever 18-month refurbishment amid tourism slowdown

Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.

World

World News

16:15

Energy

Russia signals readiness to boost energy supplies to China ahead of Putin visit

Russia has signalled it is ready to increase energy supplies to China, underscoring deepening ties between the two powers ahead of an expected visit by President Vladimir Putin.

French antisemitism bill: Why the ‘Yadan law’ is dividing opinions

18:12

Explainer

French antisemitism bill: Why the ‘Yadan law’ is dividing opinions

France is set to vote on a controversial law targeting what it calls “new forms” of antisemitism, sparking sharp divisions and raising concerns over free speech, criticism of Israel and the protection of Jewish communities.

12:25

China Russia

Xi urges deeper China–Russia ties amid global uncertainty

Chinese President Xi Jinping said China and Russia must deepen trust and expand cooperation, reaffirming Beijing’s close ties with Moscow during talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Beijing.

Spain’s migrant amnesty plan faces strike threat from immigration officers

21:45

Spain immigration

Spain’s migrant amnesty plan faces strike threat from immigration officers

Spain’s plan to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants is facing early resistance, with immigration officers warning they may strike over a lack of preparation and resources.

Business

Business Economy Markets

China's trade slows as Middle East conflict drives up global costs

11:41

Energy

China's trade slows as Middle East conflict drives up global costs

China’s export growth slowed sharply in March, as the fallout from the Middle East conflict pushed up energy and shipping costs, weakening global demand and exposing risks in Beijing’s reliance on manufacturing to drive growth.

11:37

View from China

French fashion brand Maison Margiela bets on China with global debut in Shanghai

A French fashion label is placing China at the heart of its global ambitions, choosing Shanghai for its worldwide debut in a move that shows growing confidence in the country’s consumer market and cultural influence.

Disney plans up to 1,000 job cuts in latest cost‑cutting move, report says

08:33

Entertainment

Disney plans up to 1,000 job cuts in latest cost‑cutting move, report says

Walt Disney is planning to cut up to 1,000 jobs in the coming weeks, with many of the reductions expected to affect its marketing division, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing sources familiar with the plans.

07:34

EV Transition

EV transition slows as U.S.-China competition impacts regional markets

Major automakers showcased new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show this week, under the slogan “electrification is the future." However, weakening demand in the United States and intense competition with China are raising questions for markets across the globe, including the South Caucasus.

U.S. petrol prices top $4 a gallon amid Iran conflict and energy market turmoil

14:48

Energy supply

U.S. petrol prices top $4 a gallon amid Iran conflict and energy market turmoil

The U.S. national average retail price of petrol rose above $4 a gallon for the first time in over three years on Monday (30 March), according to GasBuddy data, as the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran continued to roil global energy markets.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

Kanye West postpones Marseille concert amid political backlash

12:43

Gig Cancelled

Kanye West postpones Marseille concert amid political backlash

Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Kanye West has postponed his upcoming concert in Marseille, France, “until further notice”, amid mounting political opposition and renewed controversy over his past remarks.

Ancient 4,000-year-old water channel system discovered in China

21:27

View from China

Ancient 4,000-year-old water channel system discovered in China

Archaeologists in China have uncovered a vast ancient water channel system believed to be around 4,000 years old, offering new insight into early engineering and the development of Chinese civilisation.

11:44

Olivier Awards

Paddington musical wins big at London’s Olivier Awards

Paddington Bear was the big winner at the Olivier Awards in London on Sunday (12 April), with a stage adaptation of the beloved children's books picking up seven prizes at Britain's top theatre honours.

Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle dies at 92 after eight-decade career

16:14

Obituary

Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle dies at 92 after eight-decade career

Asha Bhosle, the legendary Indian playback singer whose voice defined generations of Bollywood music, has died at the age of 92 in Mumbai, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across India and beyond.

Most viewed

First round of Lebanon-Israel talks end in Washington as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate - Tuesday, 14 April

23:47

Middle East conflict

First round of Lebanon-Israel talks end in Washington as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate - Tuesday, 14 April

A preliminary round of Lebanon-Israel talks has concluded in Washington, marking a tentative diplomatic step as regional tensions rise. The development comes as the United States launches a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

18:57

Greenland

Greenland appoints former premier as foreign minister amid U.S. pressure over island

Greenland’s prime minister has appointed his predecessor to oversee foreign affairs, as pressure from Washington intensifies over the Arctic island’s future.

21:45

Spain immigration

Spain’s migrant amnesty plan faces strike threat from immigration officers

22:51

Middle East conflict

live More peace talks likely 'this week' as U.S. completes first day of Iran blockade - Wednesday 15 April

Backlash against U.S. President Trump using an AI image appearing to portray him as a faith figure

09:21

Trump-Pope

Backlash against U.S. President Trump using an AI image appearing to portray him as a faith figure

A now-deleted artificial intelligence (AI) generated image by the U.S. President has sparked immense backlash across the political divide. It comes as Trump and the Pope continue their fued over the U.S.-led war in the Middle East.

Health

Health news Healthcare

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

18:14

Mingitis Outbreak UK

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

10:40

Middle East Conflict

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

10:54

View from China

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

A Chinese biotechnology company is stepping up efforts to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced genetic testing in a bid to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), while also tapping into growing demand for fertility services.

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

11:54

Europe tech rules

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

Austria’s government on Friday approved plans to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 14, alongside reforms to upper secondary school curricula aimed at boosting media literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education from the 2027/28 academic year.

Scottish lawmakers vote against bill legalising assisted dying

12:17

Health news

Scottish lawmakers vote against bill legalising assisted dying

The Scottish Parliament has voted against legalising assisted dying, ending a years-long campaign to make Scotland the first part of the UK to allow the practice.

War in Middle East disrupts medicine shipments to Gulf, raising concerns over cancer drug supply

15:37

Middle East conflict

War in Middle East disrupts medicine shipments to Gulf, raising concerns over cancer drug supply

The war in the Middle East is beginning to disrupt the flow of critical medicines to Gulf countries, raising concerns about the supply of cancer treatments and other temperature-sensitive drugs, according to pharmaceutical industry executives.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

11:58

Travel Restrictions

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

20:52

Tourism Impact

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

15:45

Historic Reopening

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

16:20

Middle East Conflict

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is already hitting the Middle East travel and tourism sector hard, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating losses of at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

09:45

Climate

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.

16:15

Climate risks

Central Asia steps up action on rapid glacier melt and climate risks

Central Asia is stepping up efforts to address rapid glacier melt, following United Nations warnings of unprecedented climate pressure on mountain ecosystems.

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

09:13

European Aviation

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

Europe's aviation sector hit - and may well have surpassed - a 2% mandate for green jet fuel use in 2025, a regulatory official and a source told Reuters, bolstering airlines' green credentials as the region seeks to cut reliance on hydrocarbons.

WMO warns Earth’s climate imbalance accelerating as key indicators hit record extremes

22:16

Climate Change

WMO warns Earth’s climate imbalance accelerating as key indicators hit record extremes

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the Earth’s climate system is becoming increasingly unstable, with new evidence showing a growing imbalance in how the planet absorbs and releases energy.

China braces for severe floods and drought in 2026

18:51

China Floods and Drought

China braces for severe floods and drought in 2026

China is preparing for a year of extreme weather in 2026, with authorities warning the country could face both severe flooding and widespread drought, underscoring mounting climate pressures.

Program more

13:28

Board of Peace

Can the Board of Peace deliver on promises to rebuild Gaza - and reshape diplomacy?

In a special edition of Context, Orkhan Amashov reports from Washington on the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, examining plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, a proposed stabilisation force, and the wider diplomatic impact of the U.S.-led initiative.

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